Chapter 233 - 234: The Blood Pit
The arena was a hollow ring of stone and heat, lit by torches and lined with velvet-draped balconies. Blood stained the sand in several places—some of it still fresh from the last fight.
As Noel stepped into view, descending the narrow stairs in his dark green uniform and his green mask, the murmurs began.
"Is that the next one? Isn’t he very skinny??"
"He doesn’t look like someone who knows how to fight, he seems softer than the last one."
"Anonymous? Who does he think he is, a superstar? Show your face so you can see it, cheap kid."
Dozens of masked guests leaned forward, drinks in hand, whispering behind fans or gesturing toward the pit. Above them, the mana-lamps dimmed slightly—focusing attention on the two figures below.
Bone Crusher was already waiting.
The dwarf stood motionless near the center of the arena, arms crossed, body massive and still slick with dried blood from his previous opponent. His knuckles were bruised, his forehead crusted red, and his bare chest rose and fell with slow, steady breaths.
The elven announcer stepped into a podium on the far side of the arena. Her voice echoed cleanly through the chamber.
"Tonight, by special request—an unregistered contender steps into the pit. Name: Anonymous."
The crowd stirred again, hungry for blood.
"And once again, his opponent: the undefeated, the crowd’s favorite... Bone Crusher."